The Unofficial Pink Party Turns 5!

30Jan 2019

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The Unofficial Pink Party, a monthly event for the LGBTQI community in Cape Town, is celebrating its 5th Birthday on Saturday 2nd February. This unique party experience, which has been listed on LonelyPlanet’s Top Choices list since 2015, is run by two born and bred Capetonian lesbians Janine Adams and Kelly Smith.

Queerlife caught up with the pair to tell us more…

Why did you start the event?

As club kids by heart, we were looking to create a queer space we would want to go to, an inclusive space, not limited by the unsaid rules that divide us as a community. The inclusivity we offer starts at the door with a warm welcome and continues via the music, the performers and the vibe that comes from a space that’s safe for all forms of expression. We’ve been partying under Table Mountain watching you make up and break up since the ‘90s and throwing LGBTQI events in this harbour town since the ‘00s. High probability we know your ex. And maybe even your mom. We believe strongly in community and safe spaces for all – so we created this one. No bigots and bad attitudes tolerated ever

So what exactly is the Unofficial Pink Party?

It’s a monthly night time event for the LGBTQI community & the people who love us. All welcome & invited! By being a night time event we are often perceived and expected to deliver a club night but it’s more than a party – it’s a social queer space, embracing the full spectrum of the Pride rainbow. It’s a safe space for people to meet, have fun & explore the energy of community. Our audience is eclectic, just the way we like it, bringing their magic to our event

Your event features live entertainment

We’ve hosted a range of top-notch guest performers, dancers, DJs and drag queens such as Morticia Lavalle and Kitty de la Renza, while the magnificent Manila von Teez has been a regular on our stage since our very first event in 2014. Burlesque queens Vita Nova and Lady Magnolia have graced our stage. Queer guest DJs along the likes of Little Wolf, Pillow Talk, PJ Smith and many others have helped us, together with former resident DJ Roach, to stay connected to our community.

Who comes to your parties?

With us being a lesbian couple, the Unofficial Pink Party is often dubbed a lesbian event, which puts us on the ‘no’ list for many city queers. But it’s a misconception… There are always new faces finding us and we have a huge regular following. In an ever-evolving community of how we define ourselves, each new year brings new faces attending the Unofficial Pink Party to show solidarity in a city that hosts new queer events all the time.

What else contributes to your popularity?

Our parties aren’t always themed but we’ve hosted popular costume parties like ‘Back-2-School’ & ‘Halloween’ that were a huge hit!

Venue selection is important and thus far we’ve had great partners who’ve opened their doors to help us create a monthly pink Patsy.

Any highlights?

A huge highlight in this journey was Janine being invited to take part in the Open Book Festival’s first queer panel which discussed the topic of Queering Spaces in 2017.

The love & support of the city, our friends & family has been overwhelming, month to month. We receive so much amazing feedback and appreciation constantly.

Tell us more about your 5th Birthday Party

We are absolutely champing at the bit for Saturday when NoDiggity returns to play a three hour set as part of our birthday shenanigans. This femme DJ Duo – Jords & Nickita, serving up SA house & gqom, African future house & eclectic sounds, are an absolute favourite. J9 will also be behind the decks and the wonderful Manila von Teez will be performing. This Saturday we want everyone to bring their best interpretation of our queertastic theme: Dirty Party Monster!

For this special queer hoe-down, we’re at the perfect venue for naughty fun: Prison – House of Rebels.

Event Details:

Venue: Prison – House of Rebels, (formerly Beaulah Bar), 28 Somerset Rd, de Waterkant, Green Point). The only venue in the village that still has a pool table!

Dress Code: Dirty Party Monster.

Admission: R50 cash at the door from 9pm! Students with ID card pay R30